Political Profile: Marlene Guay, Candidate for State Rep. in District 51

Political Profile: Marlene Guay, Candidate for State Rep. in District 51

Marlene Guay is running for State Representative -- here's why. 

 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?

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For me, the biggest political issue of this campaign season in Rhode Island is the political establishment, which is the source of many of the major issues in our State including: the housing emergency, education crisis, a livable minimum wage, environmental disaster and equitable access to medical care including mental, dental, recovery, and reproductive care. The political establishment has ignored the needs of the people of this State, and have let mediocrity and money dictate the path the State takes. They have consistently relied on the non-profit sector and service leaders to fill the gaps that in the wake of the pandemic have begun to crack. It is time that our elected officials make bold investments in all of the residents of our State.

2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?

This is a complex question that has many pieces and will take years to really see the outcomes but here are a few ways to start. We need to reevaluate our tax structure as a whole, our wealthiest residents and businesses should be paying their fair share. We need to redo the current tax structure that supports our public education system to ensure we have a pipeline of highly educated youth to either seek higher education or be ready for the workforce. We need to pass the Green New Deal where we can invest in highly skilled and paid union STEM careers that support green energy. We need to make in-state tuition available to all our residents to ensure that we have a highly skilled workforce that can afford to set down roots in our state. 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?

The biggest challenge that is facing Rhode Island is access. This is a broad part of a larger piece but ironic in the smallest State in the country. This is access to affordable housing, access to healthy foods, access to high quality public education and safe and affordable afterschool programs, access to reliable and efficient transportation, access to higher education, access to living wages, access to green energy and access to medical care including mental, dental, recovery and reproductive. While our State is so small, many of these pieces are done in silos and supported by a tapestry of non-profits instead of consistent investments from our government to provide for the residents of Rhode Island.

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

I am running for office because these issues affect my neighbors and my family personally. I have fought with the healthcare system and have been told I came down to a number. I have lost my father due to lack of access to dental care. I have needed many of these resources myself as a single mother and abuse survivor. As an educator and advocate I have seen the challenges of our education system and mental health supports our youth need. As a career non-profit leader, I have seen the desperation of the field to fill the gaps that only continue to grow and donations dwindle. What makes me unique is that all of these personal experiences guide me, give me empathy and give me
strength to advocate. I will continue to fight for my community, my neighbors, my friends, and my family because I know they are counting on me to represent them and that is the greatest privilege.

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

The youth of my community is my inspiration. These youth show up day in and day out, even knowing the cards are stacked against them and that the municipal government and leaders dismiss them and their concerns. They show up anyways. They push for their voices to be heard, bring their own chairs to the tables if need be. They know the power they have in the community and use it every day to improve our community. Many have experienced things in their young lives that most adults have never. They have organized, protested, held vigils and community conversations, called for the people in power to hear them, support them, and believe in them. I do, and one day I will gladly ensure that they are given the same privilege to represent District 51 as me. They inspire me every day.

For more campaign info, go here.